What breed of dog?

[angieh]

Can I ask experienced people with dogs whether they think this Dog Breed Selector is accurate?

http://www.purina.co.uk/Home/All+Abo...d+Selector.htm

As you may have picked up, my OH wants a dog (his family always had dogs, so he's used to them) and we are trying to get an idea of breeds to look at.

[random]

I don't really rate things like that as every dog is different, good to get an idea of breeds to further look into I guess. Your best bet would be to go to a few local shows and ask about the breeds you like. Do you have any in mind. What about rescue?

[angieh]

We've been having a look at rescue sites random. I've also had a quick look at Dogsey!

[random]

Originally Posted by angieh

We've been having a look at rescue sites random. I've also had a quick look at Dogsey!

You should join up, you'll get loads of help. x

[calismum]

OK - I tried the selector answering questions based on the dogs we have (Border Collies and Golden Retrievers). The selector decided we should have norfolk terriers, airedale or min schnauzer. I would not have any of these breeds here.

I then tried to alter the answers a little and all it did was add in a sussex spaniel.

As my dream dog is a long haired male black german shepherd (which OH says will never set foot in this house (watch this space, it may take years but never say never)) I then tried to make it 'give' me this dog. It still suggested breeds I just didn't like or I didn't agree with.

So, I'd have to say I don't think much of it.

Many moons ago when we were trying to decide what type of dog we would get we bought a small book of dog breeds )observers at that time, don't know if still available)

We went thru the book individually and ticked the pages of dogs we liked, without looking into them at all. We then looked at the dogs that we both ticked.

Then had discussion re size, coat, excercise, personality, etc. and reduced our joint list further. Then looked at known health problems eg rage, aggression, hip displaysia, OCD etc. Only once we got down to 6 dogs did we start to research the breed characteristics and we then were reduced to Flat Coat, Golden. Beagle, Cairn or Jack Russell.

We decided on either of the retrievers and I spoke to my vet who knew someone with a connection to the Golden breed, so that is how we ended up with my Goldens.

Having said all that. The very first dog we had was a border collie/german shepherd cross that was thrown out a car. We found her on the road aged around 3 months - we said we would keep her until she was fit and well. She died in my arms aged 15 years and I'd have her again a million times over any other dog I have, so why not go to a local all breeds show and see the pedigrees and then go talk to a rescue and see some guys who may tick the boxes for you. Just make sure you know the background and reason for rehoming. If you decide a particular breed is for you then decide if you want puppy or adult. Most Breed societies also do rescue.

Good luck, I can't wait to see what you decide.

[angieh]

Thanks so much for trying that site out CM - just what I hoped would happen! It gave me a min schnauzer or standard schnauzer if I altered the size. You never know how these sites "angle" their response - I guess I won't take any notice of it.

Thanks so much for your practical advice - which OH and I will follow. Watch this space!

[angieh]

Just had to follow this up - OH tried that breed selector and it suggested a "Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever". He had to Google as neither of us have ever heard of such a breed!

[meep]

My personal favourite, and a recommendation, is either a Border Terrier (one of your favs Angie too I think?) or a beagle! I've always adored beagles, I think they look like 'proper' dogs with their long shouts, floppy ears. They're very affectionate and playful, but can be hard to train as they always follow their nose.

If you need any convincing, I dare you not to melt at this:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OeYnX9NwB1k

[meep]

(Oh and I've never owned a dog, but have done a bit of research on both BT and Beagles and have always felt they appealed in their nature, temprament and general dogginess!)

[meep]

And I meant to say, how exciting about getting a dog Angie! Despite being a true 'cat' person, one day I do think I'll get a dog when I have a garden, have more time to dedicate to it. I just love the idea of it being a companion that can travel with you (go for walks, to other friends houses).